Raden Review

How One Brand Is Completely Redefining The Smart Luggage Game

The AskMen Acquire team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life.

When Raden conceptualized their brand, they thought outside of the box (pun alert) and didn’t only consider the experience that the user has with their luggage, but rather the entire experience that the user has with travel. Luggage was originally conceived to carry your personal belongings from point A to point B across geographical thresholds, but with new-age technologies, smart luggage such as Raden does more than just pack in the goods.

The brand offers a classy, minimalist aesthetic with great attention to quality and detail. Whether it be from the way the wheels spin, to the crack-proof plastic, to the added gift inside - it is clear that this brand appreciates the nuances of travel.

Who It's For

Considering that the price point of the line extends upwards of $250 per bag, we say that Raden is for the avid traveller - be it for business or pleasure. Fit for all ages, the bags are simple, sleek, thoughtfully-crafted and come in a multitude of elegant colours to suit any personality. The minimalist bags are objectively good-looking, so they are well suited for the style-conscious globe-trotters who appreciate the value of a dapper-looking, tech-savvy travel companion.

In terms of function, Raden bags are an excellent option for any type of travel, or traveller. Be it a one-day business trip, long haul flights, or a quick weekend getaway. The essence of the bag is that you can stay connected and plugged in on the fly, and enjoy navigating the airport more seamlessly. It’s basically for anyone who appreciates a more pleasant travel experience. This bag does not discriminate.

Why We Love It

Generally speaking, what we love about this bag is that its execution is extremely well thought out. Every detail is thoughtfully considered, from the placement of the handles to the way it moves. There’s no fluff - everything has a purpose and none of its features are difficult to use.

Top-of-the-line materials: The polycarbonate shell of the bag is ultra lightweight and durable. The material is flexible, which helps prevent cracks in the plastic from bumping into other luggage in the overhead, or being knocked around in storage. Additionally, the sealing is waterproof, so it handles wear and tear like a pro, absorbing damage no matter how far and how often you hit the road (or sky). Raden is proud not only of their materials but the creation process, and they’ve put together a really charming video showcasing the

Smart features: Raden bags are technologically savvy, but it’s not overkill. Too many tech features can actually over-complicate things instead of simplifying them. Raden clued in on this and chose to automate only the necessary features.

Built-in battery: Hidden in the interior of the bag is a battery that enables the luggage’s Bluetooth function and charging capabilities. We will admit is the not the most discreet size, but it’s a small price to pay for the offer.

Charge on the fly: There are two built-in micro USB ports so you can charge your phone anytime. The battery allots for four full phone charges before having to recharge the bag’s battery.

Weigh your bag: Each bag comes with an integrated scale so you can plan ahead to hit the correct weight requirements, without having to either frantically remove excess pounds, or pay the fee.

Find your bag: For those who check their luggage (or are the unlucky victims of airport theft) there’s geo-location technology, so you’ll be in the know as to when your bag is circling on the luggage carousel, or track its location for up to 100 feet.

Easy to use lock: Interestingly, the Raden team decided to forgo electronic locks and opt for a manual zipper lock. We appreciate their reasoning - Technology can be fussy, and being locked out of your bag is definitely not conducive to stress-free travelling. And, it happens more often than you think.

Excellent customer care: Not only will your bag be shipped from whatever store you purchase it at (if you don’t feel like lugging it home), but with the app comes a mobile chat support should you run into any problems along the way to your destination.

Unique colorways: Raden bags comes in over 10 unique colorways varying from deep hunter green to midnight blue, soft pastels and even metallics. The colours are all rich and smooth, thanks to the bags sleek exterior, uninterrupted by outside pockets and clunky zippers. They even provide customers with the option between a glossy or matte finish, and we must say both are very

TSA Approved Carry On: The A22 carry on model meets the TSA required dimensions, and it weighs under nine pounds, so you don’t need to pack frugally to compensate for your bags weightiness.

Easy Rolling: The bag boasts four, 360 degree extended silent spinner wheels so you can maneuver the luggage with total ease through the airport either behind you, or next to you - whatever floats your boat.

What's Included

Raden doesn’t just sell bags, they really speak to the travel experience in its entirety. It is clear that they want this experience to be easy and memorable from the time you leave your house to the time you come back home.

Slip Cover: With the bag comes a protective covering made of advanced, heat-tech material that will help keep it safe in storage from scratches and dust as you plan your next adventure. They suggest to also use the cover as a laundry bag during your travels.

Travel Kit: Zip open the top interior pocket to find a charming kit, which feels more like an added gift. Inside you’ll find the Raden USB cable (to recharge the luggage’s battery as well as your USB compatible devices), as well as an eyemask and earplugs - for the ultimate, relaxing plane ride.

Models

Less is more. Raden keeps it simple and straightforward with two styles. Both sizes have the same travel technology features (locate, charge, weigh), offer a multitude of colours (in both matte and gloss) and promise the lightest weight smart luggage on the market.

The A22 Carry

Dimensions: 22"/14"/9"

Weight: 8.4lbs

Price: $295 USD

The A28 Check

Dimensions: 28”/21”/13”

Weight: 13lbs

Price: $395 USD

For travellers who want to purchase both the Carry and Check models for a full set, Raden offers a combined price and the option to mix and match.

The A50 Set

Choose your colours and finishing as you wish, for $595, saving you nearly $100.

The Drawbacks

There is so much emphasis put on the exterior design and quality of the luggage’s shell, however the interior, while functional, is nothing to write home about. The battery, while tucked away neatly does take up a decent amount of space, and aside for a zippered flap there are little interior features for the traveller who prefers different departments to organize their belongings.

Additionally, the material of the exterior, while durable and flexible, is prone to scratch marks and scuffing, which is why it’s important to keep the luggage in its bag when storing, to avoid additional markings.

Finally, the price is higher than the average luggage, especially a carry on, however with the attention that is put into each bag and the quality of the material, it might be worth the investment if you are planning to travel far and travel wide, in style.

Where To Buy It

Raden has made it across the globe in a short time, finding itself in top retailers and at a slew of successful online retailers. All three models are available available at Huckberry.

Meet The Competition

Away

Less technology (only chargers, no scale or location finding) but slightly better pricing and a very good-looking brand of luggage (the ribbing is a nice added detail). They seem small but they can really pack it in.

Bluesmart

Not the most eye-catching of the luggage options available, but it is the smartest. The luggage locks when you walk away from your bag and unlocks when you return. It also has a TSA friendly laptop compartment so you don't need to remove your computer at security. It also has an integrated scale, charger and location tracking.

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